Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and slice them into evenly sized rounds about ¼ inch thick. Keeping the slices the same thickness helps them cook evenly.
Step 3
Pat the potato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the potatoes become crispier while baking.
Step 4
Place the potato slices into a large bowl and drizzle them with the olive oil or melted butter. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then toss until every slice is evenly coated.
Step 5
Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Leave a little space between each slice so they roast instead of steam.
Step 6
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bottoms become golden brown and the potatoes begin to soften. Carefully flip each slice halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 7
Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each potato round. Try to cover each slice generously without letting the cheese spill too much onto the tray.
Step 8
Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese has completely melted and becomes bubbly. The edges of the cheese should be lightly golden for the best flavor.
Step 9
Remove the potato rounds from the oven and let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly while the potatoes remain hot and crispy.
Step 10
Transfer the potato rounds to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and perfectly melted.
Tips and Variations:
Extra Crispy Potato Rounds
For crispier potatoes, soak the slices in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes before baking, then dry them thoroughly with paper towels. This removes excess starch and helps create golden, crispy edges.
Cheese Combination
Mix cheddar with mozzarella for the perfect balance of bold flavor and stretchy melted cheese. You can also add a little Parmesan for a richer finish.
Loaded Potato Rounds
Turn these into loaded potato bites by topping them with crispy bacon, sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream after baking.
Herb and Spice Twist
Customize the seasoning with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, ranch seasoning, or chili flakes to create a completely different flavor profile.
Perfect for Dipping
These potato rounds pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, cheese sauce, honey mustard, or sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispy texture.
Freeze for Later
Allow the potato rounds to cool completely before freezing them in a single layer. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
